Jesus on the Law : to Fulfill or to Complete?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season : Lenten Season :  Third Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel :  Mt 5:17-19*

*First Reading : Deuteronomy 4:1; 5-9* 

*Responsorial Psalm : 147: 12-20*

*Jesus on the Law : to Fulfill or to Complete?*

*1) What Does “Fulfill” Mean?*

The Greek word used in the Gospel, means to fill up, bring to fullness, complete, or bring to its intended goal. So Jesus is not abolishing the Law, but bringing it to its deepest and complete meaning.

Three key dimensions of fulfillment:

*A) Fulfillment in His Life* 

Jesus perfectly lived the Law. Complete obedience to God. Perfect love of neighbor, Sinless life. The Law pointed toward the ideal human life, which Jesus embodied.

*B) Fulfillment of Prophecy* 

The Law and the Prophets also contained messianic expectations.

Christ fulfills them through: His birth, His teaching, His suffering, His resurrection. Thus the Old Testament reaches its completion in Christ.

*C) Fulfillment of the Law’s True Meaning* 

Jesus deepens the Law from external rules → internal transformation. Examples later in Matthew 5:

*Old Law* : Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Love neighbor

*Jesus’ Fulfillment*: Do not harbor anger, Do not lust, Love even enemies

The Law becomes a law of the heart.

*2) Why Does Jesus Say “Not the Smallest Letter Will Pass Away”?* 

In verse 18, Jesus says not even “a jot or tittle” will disappear.

This shows: The Law has divine authority, God's word is permanent. 

The Law remains meaningful until it reaches its fulfillment. But after fulfillment, its deeper purpose becomes clear.

*3) The Shift Jesus Introduces* 

Jesus moves the focus from legalism to love.

The Old Law emphasized: Ritual observance, External behavior

Jesus emphasizes: Inner purity, Intentions, Love

Later, He summarizes the whole law in two commands: Love God - Love neighbor

*4) The Significance for Christian Faith*

This teaching explains the relationship between Old Testament and New Testament.

The Old Testament is not rejected.

Instead: Old Covenant → Preparation

Christ → Fulfillment

New Covenant → Transformation

It shows that Christianity grows out of the Jewish tradition, rather than replacing it entirely.

*5) Relevance to Our Life Today* 

*A) Faith Is More Than Rules* : Jesus invites us beyond rule-following to heart transformation.

Example: Not just avoiding wrongdoing, Cultivating love, forgiveness, humility

*B) Integrity of Life* : Jesus calls for consistency between inner life and outer actions. Our thoughts, intentions, and attitudes matter.

*C) Living the Spirit of the Law* : Instead of asking: “What is the minimum I must do?” Jesus asks us to consider: “What does love require here?”

*D) Moral Responsibility* : Verse 19 warns against relaxing God's commandments. Christian freedom does not mean moral indifference.

*6) Points to Ponder* 

This passage invites a shift: 

From law → love

From external obedience → inner transformation

From minimum duty → fullness of life

Jesus completes the Law by showing its ultimate goal: love.

As Augustine of Hippo famously expressed: “Love, and do what you will.” Because true love naturally fulfills the law.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*